Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino returned to the White House this week and was singled out by President Trump, who praised him as “a great leader in sports and a great gentleman.”
- On live TV in the Oval Office, Trump raised the prospect of moving matches, and Infantino replied that safety and security are the top priority.
- Sky News reports Infantino has been the most frequent visitor to the Oval Office during Trump’s first year back in power, with that access used to speed World Cup decisions.
- FIFA has not publicly opposed U.S. restrictions on visitors from Iran and Haiti, a departure from the body’s usual push to ensure all fans can attend.
- Infantino is expected to present a new FIFA ‘peace prize’ to Trump at today’s draw at the Kennedy Center, underscoring their unusually close public alignment.